Why Play Chess?

Chess is a game that does not rely on chance. It is not dependent on the deal of cards or the throw of dice or
indeed any factor outside of the players control. Furthermore it does not require any significant physical skill, which allows both sexes, all ages and handicapped players to participate on equal
terms.

The game was devised in its recognisable form in India c 600 AD and is based loosely on ancient wargame
tactics and strategy, with all moves being "above board".

The game has since been refined, internationally standardised and extensively analysed by man and machine, but
has not been analysed "out", for although the number of possible games is finite, there are more of them than atoms in the known universe.

Chess is both exercise and stimulation for the brain, which has been proved to be beneficial in
maintaining good memory and concentration for longer into old age.

You don't have to be old as we accept members under 16 as well as adults.

Note that juniors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Why choose to attend Swindon Chess
Club?

Swindon Chess Club has the most members on roll of any Chess Club in North Wiltshire. We play graded and friendly
games throughout the year at arguably the best venue with extensive new equipment. We are a friendly crowd of mixed abilities and the charges are very reasonable. Please contact us for
details.

We are also affiliated to the WCCA - Wiltshire County Chess Association.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The Club Championship is an all-play-all competition such that each player has a different opponent every
week, selected by a token system.

In the first half of the season players are paired at random. In the second half of the season players are paired according to the number of games they have
played and against whom they have not already played.

The token system also attempts to equalize the black/white selection.

The games are played at the League rate and, with some exceptions, are ECF graded.

In the event of an odd number of players, then one player is asked to stand down, but this is not allowed to happen more than once, for any given
player.

The winner is the player with the most points irrespective of the number of games played.

Two competitions are held per year, each lasting 25 weeks and starting typically the first week of October (when the League starts) and the first week of May
(when the League finishes).

Current results, together with comments, may be found on our Facebook page.